Lillian is back with a bang as she talks about smart travel habits we all ought to take on board, before boarding that is …
The smart traveler: six things you must check before boarding
In the age of technology, everything is almost possible; from space tourism to teleconferencing and well, teleporting too seems to be in the offing! However, of all basic and practical needs by humans is the ease of movement, from point A to B with the least hassle possible and the highest speed possible. With all the hullabaloo going around the new and existing travel bans and regulations on electronics, Trip Advisors at travel.jumia.com share some useful pointers to seamless, gadget-laden travel.
#1. Flight restrictions and bans
Screening procedures may different from airport to airport, depending on national policy or even provider do’s and don’ts. To rid yourself of the stress of having to unpack and repack, even worse lose valuables at check checkpoint, make a habit of enlightening yourself on gadgetry and electronic devices. Currently, there is much hyped bashing of President Trump’s ban on laptops and other electronics in cabins for passengers travelling from certain African and Middle Eastern countries. Gather as much update on the clauses and rules to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
#2. Compatibility
As much as technology has reduced the entire planet into a global village, we still experience major and at times unfair disparities when it comes to gadgets going across-the-border. For instance, cell phone technology varies considerably from country to another; and so does charging devices and electronic accessories. Before boarding, check whether your mobile phone is locked and weigh the option of either having it unlocked to serve in the new destination, or consider hiring one upon arrival. A travel adapter will also come in handy in keeping all your gizmos powered.
#3. Service providers and charges
While roaming-on-own-money has never been a cheap option for any destination, finding out costs for local providers ahead of your travels will majorly aid your budget planning. For instance, while in Kenya, you may choose to buy either Safaricom, Airtel, or Orange mobile products for cheaper communication, while across border in Tanzania, you have the option of Tigo, Vodafone among others. Compare tariff rates, network connectivity as well as other mobile services that you will need during your stay and settle on the best.
#4. Pack Smart; bring only what you need
The good thing with quality mobile gadgets is that they are multi-purpose, thereby combining call service, camera, storage, office support among other services under one screen. A simple inventory check into what you really need can go a long way in saving you from extra luggage expenses, checkpoint time and hassle and the anxiety of losing one more thing! There is no need of packing your kindle – if you certainly are on a tight schedule that will leave you no room for completing a chapter off your current read.
#5. The issue of counterfeits
Whether by lack of awareness, sheer greed on the part of the seller and bad coincidence; we all know ignorance is no defense. The burgeoning market of counterfeit goods, and especially electronics continuous to cause not just heavy losses in the supply chain, but also pose as a risk to consumers. Some airports have thereby found ways of tracking such devices with the intention of curbing the menace. Where possible, avoid carrying “suspicious” gadgets, or generally items that attract unnecessary attention and scrutiny.
#6. Connectivity and ‘free public Wi-Fi’
Free Wi-Fi seems to be the opium of the internet world; however, a simple no password login could draw the line between your online protection and the risk of passing your identity to malicious individuals. From phishing scams, hackers and malware infection, use of unencrypted public Wi-Fi leaves you exposed to the mentioned risks. If you must use open public Wi-Fi, only plug into OpenSSL sites – you can point such websites as the spot a HTTPS on the html. Be aware of the fact that this may this is not bullet proof, you’ll be well advised to keep off high privacy or prone-to-risk sites such personal email, bank information or even such sites as PayPal, mobile banking etc. If you happen to notice any unusual activity on your accounts, report immediately and keep off the particular site.
Whether for leisure or for business, as a solo ranger or in a group; always try to keep it light and easy. These six tips for the smart traveler will give you a good lead on important things to check.
